Kailee & Harrison Howe | Gardens in the Gorge
Photos by Kelsi Walters Photography
Kailee and Harrison Howe met in Nashville, working on a COVID-19 research team during the pandemic. After their engagement at Gardens in the Gorge, the couple learned the property was also a wedding venue, and they immediately knew it was where they wanted to get married. Using the venue throughout the entirety of their wedding weekend, the duo married on July 9, 2023.
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“We wanted to keep with the garden theme of the venue because we loved the cottages and the property so much already,” says Kailee. “Our wedding vision was very light and airy with some traditional aspects. We wanted our guests to feel warm, welcomed, and present with us throughout the weekend.”
After exchanging evening vows at The Green, guests headed to Windsor Hall for the cocktail hour and reception. For an extra personal touch, each of the guests received a letter – handwritten by the newlyweds – as they entered the reception space. Guests could also enjoy the balcony area for stunning views overlooking the gorge as well as a stationed photo booth.
In addition to a custom bar menu with signature cocktails selected by the couple, mobile baristas served a custom coffee menu with drink offerings honoring Kailee’s Cuban side, Harrison’s Italian side, and a signature Americano for their dog, Ringo. The following reception kicked off with a DJ and plenty of dancing.
The evening’s décor was airy and romantic to keep in line with the garden theme. Ivory draping hung from the ceiling to make the event space feel more intimate. To make the room truly feel in bloom, pink and white flower arrangements filled the space, including Kailee’s favorite Anemone flowers.
Memories made with close friends and family made the evening unforgettable for the newlyweds. With their guests, Kailee and Harrison enjoyed dinner, champagne toasts, and a three-tiered red velvet cake. After an evening full of celebration, the couple made their getaway, riding a golf cart to one of the venue cottages.
“We were so intentional about each part of our wedding,” Kailee says. “It was truly ours and reflected our love in the best ways. We could not have asked for a more love-filled weekend with the people we hold so dear to our hearts.”
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How He Proposed
“For my birthday, Harrison surprised me with a trip to Chattanooga, and we stayed at one of the cottages located at Gardens in the Gorge. One morning we were getting ready to go horseback riding at Fall Creek Falls and he set up a poem in the cottage that I thought was just my birthday gift. At the bottom of the gift was the ending of the poem that asked me to marry him.”
